Polyantha Roses
Polyantha roses are recognized by their many small flowers on a dwarf plant. Both the flowers and the name come from Rosa multiflora, which was sometimes called R. polyantha. Polyanthas had a brief period of popularity in the first half of the 20th century, soon after their introduction, but then they were pushed aside by their progeny the Floribundas, to which they gave both clustered flowers and extreme freedom of flowering.

The first recognized Polyantha was raised in France by Guillot fils in Lyon; this was named ‘Paquerette’, and was introduced in 1875. This was a hybrid of R. multiflora, probably the dwarf, repeat-flowering form ‘Nana’, and probably a China; the result has semidouble white flowers and repeats well. ‘Mignonette’, probably of similar parentage but with some pink in the flower, was introduced in 1880, and Guillot also raised the bright pink ‘Gloire des Polyanthas’ in 1887. Soon Polyanthas were appearing in a variety of colours, even, in the case of ‘Baby Faurax’ a purple that fades to near blue.

It was D. T. Poulsen in Denmark who in 1911 raised ‘Ellen Poulsen’ a bright pink double dwarf Polyantha; in 1924, using ‘Orléans Rose’ crossed with a Hybrid Tea, his son Sven produced the first of the so-called Poulsen roses, ‘Else Poulsen’ and ‘Kirsten Poulsen’ which later came to be known as Floribundas.

Two other groups are close to the Polyanthas. The Hybrid Musks, which were raised by Pemberton, are mostly much larger in habit and flower, but ‘Ballerina’ is certainly closer to the Polyanthas, and is often classified as one; it has all the characters of the dwarf R. multiflora.

Other hybrid Polyanthas are closer to miniature Teas, with perfect tall buds and flowers that have quilled petals when fully open. The influence of R. multiflora is greatly weakened, and shows mainly in the sprays of flowers; this group is sometimes called Polypom or dwarf China. ‘Perle d’Or’ also called ‘Yellow Cecile Brunner’ is a member of this group, as is ‘Marie Pavie’ .

It is not quite true to say that the Polyanthas as a group are a relic from the past. In 1974, Harkness in England introduced ‘Yesterday’ , an excellent rose that has won several awards.

Polyanthas need little attention, other than good soil and the removal of shoots that have flowered down to a good leaf. Many of them are susceptible to mildew, so should be well fed and watered, particularly in dry weather or crowded conditions.